statin

statin, any of a class of drugs that reduces the amount of cholesterol in the blood by interfering with the production of cholesterol in the liver; commonly prescribed statins include atorvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, and rosuvastatin. Statins block hydroxy-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase), a liver enzyme that is key to the body's ability to make cholesterol, and they are technically referred to as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. A statin has no effect on the amount of cholesterol in the blood resulting from dietary intake.

Statins are used to lower cholesterol associated with low-density lipoproteins (LDL), which plays a role in the development of artheroscleroris (the buildup of plaque in the arteries) and coronary artery disease, when lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, eating a heathy diet, increasing physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight, have not proved effective in reducing LDL cholesterol. Statins also reduce triglycerides, which also contribute to coronary artery disease; increase HDL cholesterol (so-called good cholesterol); and reduce inflammation. The most common side effects include headache, nausea, and muscle pain; rare but serious side effects include diabetes and muscle or liver damage.

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